Isabel…of the Ball

Isabel Marant has built brand equity like no other fashion house over the past few seasons.  I’d be surprised if there’s a fashionista out there who does not list Marant as a “favorite everyday wear designer” in a casual interview (I’m always bewildered/intrigued by interviews of that ilk — you know the type, where a chic pea in the fashion industry claims: “I live in Rag + Bone tshirts, Ksubi jeans, and Marant dresses.”  They seem so disingenuous — a careful calculation of what they believe to be cool.  My response would be decidedly uncool — “Most days, I’m wearing a much-loved pair of fraying J. Brands, one of three chunky sweaters from J. Crew, and my favorite statement scarf or jewelry of the day.  And some ratty-ass mukluks, so that I don’t lose my limbs in this freezing weather.”)

But I digress.  (And I apologize for the snarky tone — chalk it up to the weather?)  Let’s get to Isabel: part boho (lots of embroidered skirts and gauzy blouses), part Parisian (black; trim, lean lines), part “street” (high-fashion sneakers, bomber jackets), the label projects a fashion-forward nonchalance.  And I want to wear that look badly.  This snapshot captures the look very nicely —

Let’s recreate the style with less $$, OK?  First, this studded-shoulder dress ($35) is SO Isabel.

The dress above reminds me of these funky little boots from Isabel’s most recent collection ($1,155):

Or, how about this flippy skirt ($83), very much in keeping with this season?  Perfect with this lovely washable silk top ($235) and a quilted leather jacket (this Phillip Lim style is TO DIE — $1,500 — but get the look for a little less with this Catherine Malandrino style or this TopShop find):

So chic.  Finish with either sueded boots/booties (if you’re into the entire Isabel ensemble), or these colorblocked heeled sandals (affordable find! — $59) and a YSL cross-body ($1,150):

Or, splurge on an actual Isabel heirloom — this funky crochet-knit jacket ($1,455) and some super-skinny jeans with some sueded booties (Brian Atwood, on sale for $340):

(P.S. – To really complete the look, you could wear those Dicker booties by the label that everyone swoons over.  Not exactly my style, but felt I had to offer it as an option!)  I’d add a burgundy bag (Golden Goose, $1,534):

And now – perhaps this isn’t exactly Isabel, but it’s in the same Parisian vein, so here goes: this lovely lace skirt (Joie, on sale for $112! — also in a beautiful nude/blush color) with a quilted leather jacket (I KNOW, another one…Michael Kors, $795), black tights, and these stunning perforated leather booties (Alexander Wang, on sale for $321):

Wrap it all up with this STUNNING Phillip Lim multi-colored fur clutch (ahhhh — $750! — P.S., This style literally just came out the other day, and mark my words, this is going to be a huge favorite amongst fashion editors):

Other items of interest that may be mixed into any of the looks above?  First, a cheeky printed tee ($163); second, this chic leopard print bag from hot line Jerome Dreyfuss ($670); and third, a pair of two-toned heels ($49 — SO chic):

Anyone else jiving with this look?  It’s HUMP day…woooooo!